Donald Trump announced that the United States would impose additional 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, accusing it of taking an “extraordinarily aggressive stance” on trade.
In a message published Friday on his Truth Social platform, the American president said Beijing had sent an “extremely hostile letter to the world” and imposed “large-scale export controls on virtually every product they make.”
Mr. Trump, who warned that the additional tariffs would take effect on November 1, said the United States would also impose export controls on all critical software for China.
The president added that he was imposing these tariffs because of Export controls imposed on rare earths by China.
He wrote: “Given that China has taken this unprecedented stance and speaking only on behalf of USAand not other countries that have been similarly threatened, starting November 1, 2025 (or earlier, depending on subsequent actions or changes taken by China), the United States of America will impose a 100% tariff on China, in addition to any tariffs it currently pays.
“It is impossible to believe that China would have taken such a step, but they did, and the rest is history. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
President Trump says he sees no reason to see President Xi on a trip to South Korea. Photo: Reuters
Mr. Trump said earlier Friday that there “appears to be no reason” to meet with the Chinese leader. Xi Jinping during a meeting planned as part of an upcoming trip to South Korea later this month.
He posted: “I was supposed to meet President Xi in two weeks at APEC in South Korea, but now there seems to be no reason to do so. »
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The trip was to include a stop in Malaysia, which is hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, a stop in Japan, and then on to South Korea, where Mr. Trump will meet with Mr. Xi before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Mr. Trump added: “Many other countermeasures are also being seriously considered. »
The move marks the biggest break in relations in six months between Beijing and Washington – the world’s largest factory and its largest consumer.
It also threatens to escalate tensions between the two countries, raising fears about the stability of the global economy.
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Friday was Wall Street’s worst day since April, with the S&P 500 falling 2.7% on concerns over U.S.-China relations.
China had restricted access to rare earths before the meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi.
Under these restrictions, Beijing would require foreign companies to obtain special permission to ship the metal components abroad.